Hall of Honor

The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is pleased to partner with the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the State Historical Society Foundation to establish the Native American Hall of Honor.

Hall of Honors Overview

The Hall is a new annual program recognizing Native Americans who have gone above and beyond in representing their tribe and culture. It is located in the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. The program recognizes traditional and contemporary achievements in four categories: Arts and Culture, Athletics, Leadership and Veterans. Nominations can be made of people who are living or in memoriam. Up to two people per category will be considered for acceptance into the Hall each year. To nominate a candidate, please download and submit a printed version of the nomination form.

Honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Honor in a formal ceremony in the fall and they will be recognized in the Hall of Honor exhibit at the Heritage Center and State Museum with a formal display of their personal artifacts and a video that shares their remarkable histories.

We encourage all honorees and their friends and family to send items for the display before the event.

Nominate Using Traditional Mail

Nomination Form for Hall of Honor

Send your completed nomination form by fax, e-mail or U.S. Postal Service to:

North Dakota Indian Affairs
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
1st Floor Judicial Wing, RM 117
Bismarck ND 58505-0300

Fax: 701-328-1537

Nominate Using Online Form

If you'd prefer to submit your nomination online, please use the following nomination form. 

If you submit a form online, the selection committee will need supporting information to be mailed to NDIAC. You may submit as attachments, emails to our office, or mailed using USPS. If the supporting documents are numerous, i.e. over 10 pages, please consider mailing or dropping off at our offices. The following items will need to be submitted in order to complete the application

1. Supporting documents (we prefer copies): images, awards, regional or national recognition, other background information

2. (2) Letters of Recommendation: Can not be from direct family member

Category Evaluation Criteria

MILITARY-VETERAN

Individual or groups
Criteria:

• Honorably discharged,
• Served during war time or peace time, and
• Demonstrated a positive impact in and around their communities/state.
• Awards/medals received
• Volunteer service

SPORTS/TEAMS

Individual or team/group
Criteria:

• Sportsmanship, dedication, character and contribution to the team, charity, and athletic achievements.
• Provided leadership and support, displayed qualities of an active role model.
• Has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession in personal conduct and professional
• Volunteer services to the local community/state, above and beyond.
• Awards received if applicable

LEADERSHIP

Individuals or groups, elected leaders, community leaders, grass roots leaders, elders, spiritual leaders, teachers, and educational leaders.
Criteria:

• Has made innovative contribution to his/her field/community/state.
• Impact of leadership on and off reservation.
• Has distinguished themselves as a model in leadership personal a
• Awards received if applicable
• Volunteer service

CULTURE/ARTS

Dancer, drum groups, individual singer, writer, artist (all forms of media art) poets, designers.
Criteria:

• Impact on the preservation of the culture/art of their specific tribe and state.
• Awards received if applicable
• Volunteer service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2025

North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission and North Dakota Historical Society Announce New Schedule for Native American Hall of Honor

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, in partnership with the North Dakota Historical Society, is announcing a new timeframe for the Native American Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor celebration will transition to a biennial schedule, with the next induction ceremony set for Fall 2027.

The adjustment ensures alignment with key state events and allows for greater participation from tribal and state leaders. By shifting to an odd-year schedule, the celebration will avoid conflicts with legislative preparation in even years, ensuring a more focused and inclusive event.

Applications for the 2027 Hall of Honor will open in 2026, providing an opportunity to recognize outstanding Native American leaders who have significantly contributed to Arts & Culture, Athletics, Leadership, and Veterans.

“The Native American Hall of Honor is a meaningful way to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous leaders across North Dakota,” said Brad Hawk, Executive Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission. By transitioning to a biennial schedule, we can enhance the recognition process and continue to honor those who have profoundly shaped our communities.

For more information about the Native American Hall of Honor or to stay updated on the nomination process, visit https://www.indianaffairs.nd.gov/or contact the North Dakota Indian Affairs office at 701-328-2428

About the Native American Hall of Honor

The Native American Hall of Honor is an annual recognition program housed at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. It honors Native Americans who have made lasting contributions to their communities and the state in the areas of Arts and culture, Athletics, Leadership, and Veterans. Inductees are recognized through a formal ceremony and a permanent display showcasing their legacy.